New records of Meiothecium boryanum (Müll.Hal.) Mitt. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryophyta) in Brazil / Novas ocorrências de Meiothecium boryanum (Müll.Hal.) Mitt. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryophyta) no Brasil

During the review of species of the Sematophyllaceae family deposited in national herbaria, it was possible to expand the occurrence record of Meiothecium boyanum (Müll.Hal.) Mitt. in Brazil. Currently, the confirmed occurrence of the species is limited to the States of Bahia, Goiás, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul and São Paulo, although only the State of Bahia is mentioned in Flora e Funga do Brasil 2022. With this work, the species had its record confirmed for Minas Gerais and Pernambuco States.

Durante a revisão de espécies da família Sematophyllaceae depositadas em herbários nacionais foi possível ampliar o registro de ocorrência de Meiothecium boryanum (Müll.Hal.) Mitt. no Brasil. Atualmente a ocorrência confirmada da espécie se limita aos Estados da Bahia, Goiás, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul e São Paulo, embora seja citada apenas o Estado da Bahia no Flora e Funga do Brasil 2022. Com este trabalho, a espécie teve seu registro confirmado também para os estados de Minas Gerais e Pernambuco.

Survey of mosses (Bryophyta) along visitor trails in the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Espírito Santo State, Brazil / Levantamento de musgos (Bryophyta) em trilhas de visitação no Parque Nacional do Caparaó, Estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Bryophyta, the mosses, are an abundant plant group in humid environments. In the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Southeastern Brazil, they are found in great richness and diversity, especially in the montane regions.  In this context, the Parque Nacional do Caparaó, where our study was conducted, is known for its mountain environment and high altitude. Although a considerable number of moss collections from the western part of the park is already deposited in herbaria, the eastern side belonging to the state of Espírito Santo State had been undersampled until now. For this pioneering work, we covered the park's main visitation trails during three intensive days of collections. We found 59 species of mosses, belonging to 38 genera and 22 families. Nine species are new occurrences for the state and 14 are Brazilian endemics. Most species were found growing on soil. We found more species at altitudes above 1,500 m a.s.l. Sematophyllaceae was the richest moss family.

No Brasil, os musgos (Bryophyta) são encontrados com maior riqueza e diversidade na Mata Atlântica, especialmente em ambientes montanhosos e úmidos como o encontrado no Parque Nacional do Caparaó.  A coleta do material foi realizada durante três dias onde percorremos as principais trilhas de visitação do parque. Foram identificadas 59 espécies pertencentes a 38 gêneros e 22 famílias. Nove espécies são novas ocorrências para o Estado e 14 são endêmicas do país. A família mais rica em espécies foi Sematophyllaceae. As espécies terrícolas são as mais frequentes. A maior riqueza de espécies foi observada em altitudes acima de 1.500 m alt. Embora se tenha considerável número de coletas depositadas nos herbários, oriundos da porção oeste do parque, este é um trabalho pioneiro na região que se estende pelo Espírito Santo.

First record of Vanilla labellopapillata (Orchidaceae: Vanilloideae) in the state of Amazonas, Brazil

The first record of Vanilla labellopapillata is presented for the state of Amazonas, Brazil, in the region of Manaus, now the western limit of the species, which was previously known only from the type locality in the state of Pará. A brief description is provided and taxonomic and ecological aspects of the species are discussed in the light of this new finding. (AU)

Population Fluctuation, Influence of Abiotic Factors and the Height of Traps on the Abundance and Richness of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae.

Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae are relevant to environmental conservation, public health, and forensic entomology. Researches regarding the flight behavior and the influence of abiotic factors on these insects may assist the application of entomology sciences. This study aimed to analyze the population fluctuation of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae, verifying the influence of environmental factors, trap height, and the anthropic effect in the Itaipu-Piratininga lagoon complex, Niterói (RJ). The collections were carried out monthly from September 2015 to August 2016, with fish bait (sardines) exposed for 48 h, totaling six traps, installed in three physiognomies (mangrove, ombrophilous forest, and restinga) at 1.5 and 2.5 m from the ground. Nine thousand seven hundred seventy-three individuals were captured, comprising two families, five genera and 11 species. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) was the predominant species and Mesembrinella bellardiana (Aldrich, 1922) (Diptera: Mesembrinellidae) the least representative, indicating the low preservation level of this ecosystem. There was a weak, positive correlation between abundance of Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau Desvoidy, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Ch. megacephala, Chrysomya putoria (Wiedemann, 1818) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), and Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with the temperature, as well as between the abundance of C. idioidea and Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) with precipitation; however, there was no correlation between abundance and relative humidity. No significant influence of the trap height was observed. We stated a high influence of anthropic effects on the restinga and mangrove physiognomies, while the forest physiognomy still retains its preserved characteristics, with the dominance of forestall species.

Spatial and temporal structure of diversity and demographic dynamics along a successional gradient of tropical forests in southern Brazil.

Analysis of the structure, diversity, and demographic dynamics of tree assemblages in tropical forests is especially important in order to evaluate local and regional successional trajectories.We conducted a long-term study to investigate how the structure, species richness, and diversity of secondary tropical forests change over time. Trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm) in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil were sampled twice during a 10-year period (2007 and 2017) in six stands (1 ha each) that varied in age from their last disturbance (25, 60, 75, 90, and more than 100 years). We compared forest structure (abundance and basal area), species richness, alpha diversity, demographic rates (mortality, recruitment, and loss or gain in basal area), species composition, spatial beta diversity, and temporal beta diversity (based on turnover and nestedness indices) among stand ages and study years.Demographic rates recorded in a 10-year interval indicate a rapid and dynamic process of species substitution and structural changes. Structural recovery occurred faster than beta diversity and species composition recovery. The successional gradient showed a pattern of species trade-off over time, with less spatial dissimilarity and faster demographic rates in younger stands. As stands grow older, they show larger spatial turnover of species than younger stands, making them more stochastic in relation to species composition. Stands appear to split chronologically to some extent, but not across a straightforward linear axis, reflecting stochastic changes, providing evidence for the formation of a nonequilibrium community. Policy implications. These results reiterate the complexity and variability in forest succession and serve as a reference for the evaluation and monitoring of local management and conservation actions and for defining regional strategies that consider the diversity of local successional trajectories to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration measures in secondary forests of the Atlantic Forest biome.

Insect galls of the Reserva Biológica União, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Galhas de insetos da Reserva Biológica União, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Abstract: Several inventories of insect galls have been performed in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro, mostly in restingas, whereas the other phytophysiognomies remain poorly sampled. The present study inventoried the insect galls of Reserva Biológica União (RJ), a protected area comprising mainly Ombrophilous Forest. Field work was performed every two months from January to October, 2013. Insect galls were collected, photographed, characterized and transported to the laboratory. Adults were obtained by rearing and immature stages by gall dissection. The insects were deposited in the Cecidomyiidae Collection of the Museu Nacional. A total of 153 gall morphotypes were found on plants representing 37 plant families, 69 genera, 55 species and 53 morphospecies. Among them, two plant genera and five species were reported for the first time as host plants in Ombrophilous Forest. REBIO União showed little similarlity of host plant species and insect gall morphotypes when compared with other investigated Ombrophilous Forest areas. The leaf was the most attacked plant organ as expected. Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Fabaceae and Myrtaceae, and Mikania (Asteraceae) and Myrcia (Myrtaceae) were the richest host families and genera, respectivey, in number of gall morphotypes, all previously indicated as superhosts by other Brazilian Ombrophilous Forest inventories, except Bignoniaceae. Their great species richness may be related to their great gall richness, adding evidence in support of the taxon size hypothesis. Fusiform and globose galls were the most frequent, green was the predominant color, and most morphotypes did not present an indumentum. The highest gall richness was recorded in June and August. The gallers were distributed among Diptera (Cecidomyiidae), Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera, with the first being predominant, following a global pattern. Eight gall-inducing species are recorded for the first time in REBIO União and four in Ombrophilous Forest. About 25% of the gall morphotypes were occupied by dwellers other than those that created the gall. They comprised parasitoids (Hymenoptera), inquilines (Diptera: Sciaridae and Muscomorpha, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera) and successors (Psocoptera, mites, and Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Although these taxa were previously reported by Brazilian inventories of insect galls, 12 new association with plants are recorded. The amount of new records reinforces the importance of inventories.

Resumo: Vários inventários de galhas de insetos vem sendo desenvolvidos no estado do Rio de Janeiro, principalmente em restingas, enquanto as outras fitofisionomias permanecem pouco estudadas. O presente estudo inventariou as galhas de insetos da Reserva Biológica União (RJ), uma área protegida ocupada principalmente por Floresta Ombrófila. Trabalhos de campo foram realizados a cada dois meses de janeiro a outubro de 2013. Galhas de insetos foram coletadas, fotografadas, caracterizadas e transportadas para o laboratório. Adultos foram obtidos por criação e os imaturos pela dissecção das galhas. Os insetos foram depositados na Coleção de Cecidomyiidae do Museu Nacional (MMRJ). Um total de 153 morfotipos de galhas foram encontrados em plantas de 37 famílias, 69 gêneros, 55 espécies e 53 morfoespécies. Dentre estas, dois gêneros botânicos e cinco espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez como plantas hospedeiras em Floresta Ombrófila. A REBIO União mostrou uma pequena similaridade de plantas hospedeiras e morfotipos de galhas quando comparada com outras áreas de Floresta Ombrófila. As folhas foram o órgão vegetal mais atacado, como o esperado. Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Fabaceae e Myrtaceae, e Mikania (Asteraceae) e Myrcia (Myrtaceae) foram as famílias hospedeiras e gêneros botânicos mais ricos em número de morfotipos de galhas, todos previamente indicados como superhospedeiros em outros inventários na Floresta Ombrófila brasileira, exceto Bignoniaceae. A grande riqueza de espécies destes táxons pode estar relacionada a sua grande riqueza de galhas, adicionando evidências para a hipótese do tamanho do táxon. Galhas fusiformes e globoides foram as mais frequentes, a cor verde predominou e a maioria dos morfotipos não apresentou indumento. A maior riqueza de galhas ocorreu em junho e agosto. Diptera (Cecidomyiidae), Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera e Thysanoptera foram as ordens indutoras encontradas, com predomínio dos Cecidomyiidae, seguindo o padrão mundial. Oito espécies galhadoras são registradas pela primeira vez na REBIO União e quatro em Floresta Ombrófila. Cerca de 25% dos morfotipos de galhas foram ocupados por outros artrópodes, que atuaram como parasitoides (Hymenoptera), inquilinos (Diptera: Sciaridae and Muscomorpha, Hemiptera, and Lepidoptera) e successores (Psocoptera, ácaros e Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Embora estes táxons já tivessem sido reportados em inventários de galhas de insetos do Brasil, 12 novas associações com plantas são registradas. A quantidade de novos registros reforça a importância dos inventários.

Twigs occupied by Pheidole Westwood, 1839: Is there a difference between species? / Galhos ocupados por Pheidole Westwood, 1839: há diferença entre espécies?

Abstract: Pheidole is a genus with wide geographical distribution and diversity, especially in the leaf litter of neotropical forests, where nests are found at the soil-litter interface, in the soil and vegetation, among leaves, seeds, and twigs. Despite the availability of twigs and Pheidole species diversity in the leaf litter, most of this resource is not occupied, which suggests the existence of filters. This study analyzes whether twigs occupied by Pheidole species differ for the outer structure and anatomy of the wood. Twigs were collected from preserved Atlantic Forest fragments in southeastern Brazil. Twigs with Pheidole colonies were measured and the wood anatomy analyzed. We collected 224 twigs with Pheidole colonies, but the analysis was done at 41% due to wood decomposition. Five species were recorded in these twigs, which differ for the outer structure and anatomy of the wood. These results suggest the existence of preference in the occupation of twigs determined by wood structure.

Resumo: Pheidole é um gênero com ampla distribuição geográfica e diversidade, especialmente na serapilheira das florestas da Região Neotropical, onde os ninhos são encontrados na interface solo-serapilheira, solo, vegetação, entre folhas, sementes e galhos. Apesar da disponibilidade de galhos e diversidade de espécies de Pheidole na serapilheira, a maior parte deste recurso não é ocupada, o que sugere a existência de filtros. Neste trabalho analisamos se galhos ocupados por espécies de Pheidole diferem em relação à estrutura externa e anatomia da madeira. A coleta de galhos foi realizada em fragmentos conservados de Mata Atlântica na região Sudeste do Brasil. Os galhos com colônias de Pheidole foram mensurados e a anatomia da madeira analisada. Foram coletados 224 galhos com colônias de Pheidole, mas a análise foi realizada em 41% devido à decomposição da madeira. Nestes galhos foram registradas cinco espécies, que diferem em relação à estrutura externa e anatomia da madeira. Estes resultados sugerem a existência de preferência na ocupação do galho determinada pela estrutura da madeira.

Two new land planarian species (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida: Geoplanidae) from protected areas in southern Brazil.

We describe two new species of Neotropical land planarians found in protected areas of the Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. Cratera obsidiana Amaral, Boll Leal-Zanchet, sp. nov., found in the State Park of Turvo, is the first species of the genus Cratera described from an area of deciduous seasonal forest. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the uniformly black dorsal color and the prostatic vesicle with proximal portion laterally expanded and directed upward. Luteostriata subtilis Boll, Amaral Leal-Zanchet, sp. nov., found in the National Park of Aparados da Serra, in an area covered by Araucaria moist forest, is distinguished from its congeners by only two conspicuous longitudinal stripes on the dorsal surface of the body and a large fold in the male atrium below the opening of the ejaculatory duct. We also provide an updated key for species of Cratera and the first key for species of Luteostriata.

Neotropical ferns community phenology: climatic triggers in subtropical climate in Araucaria forest.

Climate regulates the fern phenology and climatic triggers influence plants from tropical and subtropical regions differently. Ferns depend on climate to regulate their life cycle, because they do not require animal interaction to reproduce. Through the pioneering study of the phenology of Araucaria forest understory in subtropical climate of Brazil, our main aims were (i) to verify which climatic variables influenced the phenological pattern of the community, (ii) to identify the differences in seasonality of ferns in distinct climatic zones of Brazil, and (iii) to compare the phenological pattern of ferns growing in other subtropical regions of the world. In an Araucaria forest fragment, we monitored the phenology of the fern community (leaf production, leaf senescence, and sporangium formation) over 2 years. At the same time, we collected photoperiod, temperature, and precipitation data. Ferns phenology was classified as continuous, discontinuous, regular, and irregular. Our results showed photoperiod and mean temperature as the best predictors for phenology. The reproductive event was seasonal, and the fern community presented themselves as continuous, irregular (activity index), and regular (intensity index) phenophases. Unlike ferns from tropical regions that generally regulate themselves by the rainfall, some ferns in a non-seasonal environment have seasonal behavior in their phenophases due to the greater amplitude of photoperiod and temperature. The community showed the same pattern of leaf production observed in populations of other subtropical regions in the world. This behavior represented the biological response of the vegetation dynamics in relation to the climatic variability of subtropical environment.

Leaf architecture and symmetry of understory tree species of anAraucaria forest / Arquitetura foliar e simetria de espécies do sub-bosque da floresta com Araucária

Shade plants of ombrophilous forests are subjected to light-limiting conditions and need toinvest in architectural structures associated with leaf symmetry to increase light capture. This study investigated the leaf architecture of six Araucaria forest tree species with distinct symmetry: Cupania vernalis, Casearia sylvestris, Schinus terebinthifolius, Piper gaudichaudianum, Roupala brasiliensis and Cedrela fissilis. We hypothesized that symmetry, associated with other traits, minimizes self-shading. Asymmetry index, petiole length, total leaf area, leaf angle, internode length and stem diameter were measured. The asymmetry index did not indicate a clear distinction between asymmetric and symmetric leaves. Leaves classified as asymmetric had higher values for the asymmetry index in the median and basal regions of the leaf, while symmetrical leaves had higher values in the apical region. The results also indicated an adjustment among structural leaf traits that facilitated a three-dimensional organization that produced an advantageous arrangement for light capture, which seems to be a response to selective pressure by the heterogeneous light conditions of the ombrophilous forest understory.

Nas florestas ombrófilas, as plantas de sombra estão sujeitas a condições limitantes de luz enecessitam investir em atributos estruturais associados à simetria foliar para maximizar a captura da luz. Esse estudo investigou a arquitetura foliar de seis espécies arbóreas (Cupania vernalis, Casearia sylvestris, Schinus terebinthifolius, Piper gaudichaudianum, Roupala brasiliensis e Cedrela fissilis) da Floresta com Araucária. Nossa hipótese é que a simetria foliar, associada a outros atributos foliares, minimiza o autosombreamento. Foram mensurados o índice de assimetria, o comprimento do pecíolo, a área foliar total, ângulo foliar, o comprimento do internó e o diâmetro do caule. O índice de assimetria não indicou uma distinção clara entre folhas assimétricas e simétricas. Folhas classificadas como assimétricas apresentaram maior índice na região mediana e basal da folha, enquanto as folhas simétricas apresentaram maior índice na região apical. Os resultados também indicaram um ajuste entre os atributos estruturais que permitiram um arranjo tridimensional das folhas vantajoso para a captura de luz, o que parece ser uma resposta à pressão seletiva pelas condições heterogêneas de luz do sub-bosque de floresta ombrófila.

Inventory of ferns and lycophytes within forest fragments of Araucaria in southern Brazil / Inventário de samambaias e licófitas em interiores de fragmentos de Floresta com Araucária no Sul do Brasil

Abstract: The Araucaria Forest is a unique plant formation, practically restricted to the Atlantic Forest biome, in the South and Southeast of Brazil. It is immensely fragmented and its area is reduced to a minimum fraction, from 13 to 2% of the original area, due to intense anthropic exploitation. Our study evaluated the richness and floristic composition of ferns and lycophytes within three Araucaria forest fragments, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. For the floristic inventory, a parcel of 1 ha (100x100m) was demarcated inside three fragments, which were classified by size: large (246 ha - H1LF), medium (57 ha - H2MF) and small (5.2 ha - H3SF). Occurring species life forms and preferential substrates up to 4 meters above ground were recorded. In total, 55 species were catalogued, only two of which were lycophytes, distributed in 32 genera and 17 families. Considering the area of fragments, the recorded species richness has decreased, presenting greater numbers in H1LF (48), followed by H2MF (33), and H3SF (29). In the three sites, terrestrial substrate and the hemicryptophyte species life form predominated. We observed that one hectare of a larger forest fragment presented 65% more species than that of a smaller one, considering that the smaller fragment total area represents only 2% of the larger forest's area. On the other hand, one hectare of the smaller fragment contributed 17% to fern and lycophyte species conservation occurring in Brazilian Araucaria Forests, and 8% to the state of Rio Grande do Sul's total richness. The diverse heterogeneity and species composition grants floristic identity to each of the studied forest interiors. Our results highlight the need to include the botanical parameters here analyzed in management, conservation degree evaluation, and maintenance of Araucaria Forests plant biodiversity.

Resumo: A Floresta com Araucária é uma formação vegetal única do planeta com ocorrência praticamente restrita ao bioma Mata Atlântica, no Sul e Sudeste brasileiro. Ela está imensamente fragmentada e sua área reduzida a uma fração mínima, de 2 a 13% da cobertura original, devido à intensa exploração antrópica. Nosso estudo avaliou a riqueza e a composição florística de samambaias e licófitas, no interior de três fragmentos de Floresta com Araucária, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Para o inventário florístico, foi demarcada uma parcela de 1 ha (100x100m) no interior de três fragmentos, os quais, por sua vez, foram classificados por tamanho: grande (246 ha - H1LF), médio (57 ha - H2MF) e pequeno (5,2 ha - H3SF). Foram registradas a forma de vida e o substrato preferencial das espécies ocorrentes até 4 m de altura do solo. Ao total, foram inventariadas 55 espécies, das quais apenas duas licófitas, distribuídas em 32 gêneros e 17 famílias. Considerando a área dos fragmentos, a riqueza registrada de espécies foi decrescente, sendo maior no H1LF (48), seguida do H2MF (33) e H3SF (29). Nos três sítios predominaram as espécies no substrato terrícola e a forma de vida hemicriptófita. Observamos que um hectare do fragmento florestal grande apresenta 65% mais espécies que o de um pequeno, considerando que a área total do fragmento menor representa apenas 2% da área do maior. Por outro lado, o hectare do fragmento pequeno contribui para a conservação de 17% das espécies de samambaias e licófitas ocorrentes em Floresta com Araucária no Brasil e 8% da riqueza total para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A heterogeneidade na riqueza e na composição de espécies confere identidade florística própria a cada um dos interiores florestais estudados. Os nossos resultados destacam a necessidade da inclusão dos parâmetros botânicos analisados no manejo, na avaliação do grau de conservação e na manutenção biodiversidade vegetal da Floresta com Araucária.

Genetic diversity and population structure of Vriesea reitzii (Bromeliaceae), a species from the Southern Brazilian Highlands

Abstract The Southern Brazilian Highlands are composed by a mosaic of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest (MOF) and grassland formations, an interesting landscape for the study of population structure. We analyzed the genetic diversity within and among populations of the MOF-endemic bromeliad Vriesea reitzii by genotyping seven nuclear microsatellite loci in 187 individuals from six populations. We characterized levels of genetic diversity and assessed the genetic structure among populations. Vriesea reitzii populations showed high levels of genetic variation (number of alleles 28 - 43, allelic richness 3.589 - 5.531) and moderate levels of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.123, RST = 0.096). The high levels of genetic diversity may be explained by species life-history traits, such as habit and mating system. The moderate structure may be a product of the combination of ancient and contemporary gene flow, resulting from the expansion of the forest in the Holocene, and/or due to facilitated dispersal mediated by the MOF's mosaic landscape. The genetic results indicated no imminent threat to this bromeliad. However, the species is highly associated with the MOF, putting landscape conservation at the center of conservation efforts for the species' maintenance.

Composition and natural history notes of the coastal snake assemblage from Northern Bahia, Brazil.

Information about the snake diversity and their natural history from the Atlantic forest domain in Brazil refer mostly to inland forests than to coastal region. Within the state of Bahia, this knowledge is concentrated to the southeastern coastal stretch. Herein we report on the diversity of snakes from the restinga, ombrophilous forest and anthropogenic environment from the northern Atlantic coast of Bahia. We sampled nine sites for three years and visited four museum collections. Furthermore, we provide anecdotal natural history information, voucher analyses, literature complements, and a key to fascilitate species identification. We report a total of 774 snakes belonging to 50 species and 23 new distribution records for northeastern coast of Bahia, supplemented by new data on feeding and reproduction. The number of detected species is similar to numbers obtained in comparable studies from other Brazilian ecoregions. This study reports and focuses for the first time on all known species of snakes from the northeastern coast of Bahia.

Dinâmica de regeneração de Merostachys skvortzovii Send. em remanescente de Floresta com Araucaria / Merostachys skvortzovii Send. regeneration dynamics in a Araucarian forest remnant

Apresentam-se resultados de monitoramento da dinâmica de regeneração de Merostachys skvortzovii Send. (taquara-lixa), englobando dados de recrutamento, crescimento e mortalidade de plântulas (Floresta Ombrófila Mista, General Carneiro, Paraná, 26˚ 25′ S e 51˚ 18′ W). Foram avaliadas duas clareiras de tamanhos (aprox. 40mx40m) e situações de abertura do dossel similares, resultantes da morte de touceiras de taquara-lixa entre 2003-2005, utilizando-se 80 parcelas (1mx1m) em cada clareira (2007). Mensalmente, registrou-se a inclusão, permanência e mortalidade de plântulas de M. skvortzovii nessas parcelas. Evidenciou-se densidade média de plântulas diferenciada, mas similar padrão de distribuição espacial dessas plântulas nas clareiras avaliadas. As médias mensais de recrutamento, crescimento em altura e mortalidade foram significativamente diferentes em ambas as clareiras. Não se detectou correlação significativa entre as variáveis biológicas observadas (crescimento, recrutamento e mortalidade) e a variabilidade de pluviosidade e temperatura registradas no período de monitoramento. Em termos gerais, pode-se inferir que a taquara-lixa apresentava a capacidade de recolonizar as áreas abertas após o evento sincrônico de mortalidade, sendo que as características ambientais de cada clareira podem influenciar essa ocupação. A concentração das plântulas nas bordas das clareiras pode determinar a ampliação da área de ocupação da espécie no local de estudo. Entretanto, somente o monitoramento a médio e longo prazo das clareiras geradas pela morte da taquara-lixa permitirá compreender melhor o ciclo de vida dessa espécie e seu efetivo papel no fechamento dessas clareiras e dinâmica da floresta que a abriga.

The results of monitoring the Merostachys skvortzovii Send. regeneration dynamics, including seedling recruitment, growth and mortality (Araucarian Forest, General Carneiro, Paraná, 26˚ 25′ S e 51˚ 18′ W, 1000m a.s.l.) are presented. Two gaps with similar size (40mx40m) and opening situation, resulting from M. skvortzovii dye-off s in 2003-2005, on which 80 small plots (1mx1m) were evaluated (2007). Monthly, it were registered the inclusion, permanence and mortality of seedlings of M. skvortzovii in these plots. It was evidenced different seedling average density among gaps, but similar seedlings spatial distribution pattern in both gaps. The monthly averages of recruitment, growth in height and mortality were significantly different in both gaps. Significant correlation was not detected between the biological observed variables (growth, recruitment and mortality) and the variability of pluviosity and temperature registered in during the monitoring. In general terms, it is possible to infer that the M. skvortzovii representative were capable of re-colonizing the areas opened after the synchronous dye-off event, but the environmental characteristics of each gap can influence this occupation. The concentration of the seedlings in the edges of the gaps can determine the enlargement of the species occupation area. Meantime, only middle to long term monitoring of the clearings produced by the M. skvortzovii dye-off will allow the understanding of the this species life cycle and its effective paper in the closure of these gaps as well as in the dynamic of the forest that shelters it.

A new species of Dichaea (Orchidaceae) for northern Brazil / Uma nova espécie de Dichaea (Orchidaceae) para o norte do Brasil

Dichaea is the largest genus of the subtribe Zygopetalinae and holds it's the highest species diversity in South America. Therefore, this study aims to describe a new species of Dichaea, which occurs in northern Brazil, Dichaea bragae Valsko, Krahl & Holanda. The new species was collected in the north of Manaus in an area of ombrophilous forest and flowered when cultivated. The epithet honors Dr. Pedro Ivo Soares Braga (in memoriam), orchidologist who conducted several studies in the Brazilian Amazon. This new species show a affinity with Dichaea tenuis C. Schweinf., however it is differentiated both vegetatively and on labellum morphology.

Dichaea é o maior gênero da subtribo Zygopetalinae e possui sua maior diversidade de espécies na América do Sul. Diante disto, este trabalho teve o objetivo de descrever uma nova espécie de Dichaea ocorrente na região norte do Brasil, Dichaea bragae Valsko, Krahl & Holanda. A nova espécie foi coleta ao norte de Manaus em área de floresta ombrófila e floresceu em cultivo. O epíteto é em homenagem ao Dr. Pedro Ivo Soares Braga (in memorian), orquidólogo que realizou vários estudos na Amazônia brasileira. A nova espécie possui afinidade com espécies de Dichaea seção Dichaeopsis, contudo são diferenciadas vegetativamente e na morfologia do labelo.

Tree and shrub species of the Atlantic Forest on the slopes of Marambaia Island, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Espécies arbóreas e arbustivas da Floresta Atlântica sobre as encostas da Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

This study describes the tree and shrub component of the Atlantic Forest on the slopes of Marambaia Island, RJ. It further evaluates which species are found at threatened species lists and the similarity that the studied forest component has with other nearby locations with similar vegetation. Data gathering relied on the joint effort of arbitrary walks and sampling units known as Transect. The same sampling criterion was applied at both approaches (DBH greater than or equal to 5 cm). A similarity analysis, followed by a Cluster analysis, was used to compare the studied vegetation component. Similarity calculations were based in the Bray-Curtis coefficient. We detected a total of 235 species. These are divided in 134 genera and 52 families. The richest families are Myrtaceae (38 spp.), Fabaceae (20 spp.) and Rubiaceae (20 spp.). The richest genera are Eugenia (16 spp.), Myrcia (8 spp.) and Ocotea (6 spp.). Nineteen of the detected species are currently listed as threatened and the studied forest component is mostly resembled to the vegetation at Rio Bonito (RJ). Our evidence shows that the evaluated tree and shrub layer seems to be well preserved and represents an important area for conservational efforts. The results additionally indicate that this vegetation seems to have a greater floristic resemblance to drier and further locations, rather than to more humid and close ones.

Este estudo descreve a florística do componente arbóreo e arbustivo da Floresta Atlântica sobre as encostas da Ilha da Marambaia, RJ. Também são avaliadas quais das espécies encontradas constam em listas de espécies ameaçadas e qual a semelhança deste componente da vegetação com locais próximos cobertos pelo mesmo tipo de vegetação. A coleta de dados se valeu do esforço conjunto de caminhadas arbitrárias e de unidades amostrais conhecidas como "Transect". O critério de inclusão na amostragem foi o mesmo para ambos os métodos (DAP igual ou maior a 5 cm). O componente estudado foi comparado a outras áreas através de uma análise de similaridade, seguida de um dendrograma. Os cálculos de similaridade foram baseados no coeficiente de Bray-Curtis. Detectamos, ao todo, 235 espécies, distribuídas em 134 gêneros e 52 famílias. As famílias mais ricas são Myrtaceae (38 spp.), Fabaceae (20 spp.) e Rubiaceae (20 spp.), enquanto os gêneros mais ricos são Eugenia (16 spp.), Myrcia (8 spp.) e Ocotea (6 spp.). Dezenove das espécies detectadas constam em listas de espécies ameaçadas de extinção e o componente estudado tem maior similaridade com a floresta em Rio Bonito (RJ). As evidências mostram que a vegetação estudada parece estar bem preservada e representa uma área importante para esforços conservacionistas. Os resultados indicam ainda que o remanescente florestal em questão aparenta ser mais semelhante a locais mais secos e distantes do que próximos e úmidos.

Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes at an urban remnant from the Atlantic forest in Brazilian Northeast / Composição florística e síndromes de dispersão em um fragmento urbano da Mata Atlântica do Nordeste Oriental, Brasil

Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes were determined along one year in an open ombrophilous forest fragment in the Municipal Park of Maceió, Alagoas State, Brazil. A total of 178 species belonging to 61 families were examined. Fabaceae was the most species-rich family, with 24 species. Among sampled species, 123 had their syndromes of diaspore dispersal determined, and most of them (69%) were zoochoric. Anemochoric and autochoric plants represent 11 and 20% from the total, respectively. The data about reproductive phases indicate coincident peaks of flowering and fruiting in August, at the end of the rainy season. The results are in accordance to those expected for ombrophilous forest with poorly defined seasonality.

A composição florística e as síndromes de dispersão foram determinadas no presente estudo, ao longo de um ano, em um fragmento de floresta ombrófila aberta no Parque Municipal de Maceió, Estado da Alagoas. Foram amostradas 178 espécies, pertencentes a 61 famílias. Fabaceae foi a família de maior riqueza florística, com 24 espécies. Das espécies coletadas, 123 tiveram sua síndrome determinada e a maioria delas (69%) é zoocórica. As plantas anemocóricas e autocóricas representam 11 e 20%, respectivamente. Os dados sobre a fase reprodutiva apontam um pico de floração e de frutificação coincidente, no mês de agosto, no final da estação chuvosa. Os resultados encontrados estão de acordo com o esperado para florestas ombrófilas de sazonalidade pouco evidente.

Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes at an urban remnant from the Atlantic forest in Brazilian Northeast - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.7142 / Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes at an urban remnant from the Atlantic forest in Brazilian Northeast - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.7142

Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes were determined along one year in an open ombrophilous forest fragment in the Municipal Park of Maceió, Alagoas State, Brazil. A total of 178 species belonging to 61 families were examined. Fabaceae was the most species-rich family, with 24 species. Among sampled species, 123 had their syndromes of diaspore dispersal determined, and most of them (69%) were zoochoric. Anemochoric and autochoric plants represent 11 and 20% from the total, respectively. The data about reproductive phases indicate coincident peaks of flowering and fruiting in August, at the end of the rainy season. The results are in accordance to those expected for ombrophilous forest with poorly defined seasonality.

Floristic composition and dispersal syndromes were determined along one year in an open ombrophilous forest fragment in the Municipal Park of Maceió, Alagoas State, Brazil. A total of 178 species belonging to 61 families were examined. Fabaceae was the most species-rich family, with 24 species. Among sampled species, 123 had their syndromes of diaspore dispersal determined, and most of them (69%) were zoochoric. Anemochoric and autochoric plants represent 11 and 20% from the total, respectively. The data about reproductive phases indicate coincident peaks of flowering and fruiting in August, at the end of the rainy season. The results are in accordance to those expected for ombrophilous forest with poorly defined seasonality.

Frog diversity in the Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil / Diversidade de anuros na Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, Floresta Atlântica do sul do Brasil

The Atlantic Forest is considered one of the world's biological diversity hotspots but is nevertheless increasingly threatened with the rapid destruction and fragmentation of its natural areas. In the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, remnants of the mixed ombrophilous forest and seasonal deciduous forest exist as islands within large areas of agriculture, pastures and human settlements. Here we present information on species richness and habitat use by anurans in the Floresta Nacional de Chapecó, located in the western portion of the state of Santa Catarina. Anurans were surveyed by active search of potential reproductive sites from December 1998 to December 2001. A total of 29 species were recorded, most of which have a known distribution restricted to southern Brazil and adjacent countries (Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay) and use open areas for reproduction. The species composition was most similar to other areas of mixed ombrophilous forest and seasonal deciduous forest from the extreme south of Brazil. The information in this study may support the implementation of conservation and management strategies in the area.

A Floresta Atlântica é um dos hotspots mundiais de diversidade biológica, mas se encontra cada vez mais ameaçada devido a rápida destruição e fragmentação das áreas naturais. No Estado de Santa Catarina, os remanescentes de Floresta Atlântica formam ilhas em meio a amplas áreas de cultivo agrícola, pastagens e habitações humanas. Neste estudo, apresentamos informações sobre a riqueza de espécies e uso do ambiente pelos anuros na Floresta Nacional de Chapecó (FNC), localizada nos municípios de Guatambú e Chapecó, Estado de Santa Catarina. A coleta de dados foi realizada entre dezembro de 1998 e dezembro de 2001. Os registros foram realizados por meio de busca ativa em sítios potencialmente utilizados para a reprodução das espécies. Foram registradas 29 espécies de anuros. A maioria das espécies registradas apresenta distribuição geográfica restrita ao sul do Brasil e países vizinhos (Argentina, Paraguai e Uruguai), e utilizam áreas abertas para a reprodução. A composição de espécies da FNC foi mais similar a outras áreas de floresta ombrófila mista e floresta estacional decidual do extremo sul do Brasil. As informações deste estudo podem auxiliar na implementação de estratégias de conservação e manejo da área.